Region & Farm
Grown in the lush Bababudangiri hills of the Western Ghats, Ratnagiri Estate sits within one of the world’s most ecologically diverse regions. This mountainous area is the birthplace of Indian coffee and offers rich volcanic soil, steady rainfall, and cool temperatures that create ideal growing conditions for high-quality Arabica. The estate, whose name means Pearl Mountain, is surrounded by native trees and intercropped with spices like pepper, forming a vibrant agroforestry system that supports both coffee quality and local wildlife.
Producer
Established in 1927, Ratnagiri Estate has remained in the Patre family for three generations. Under the leadership of Ashok Patre, the farm has become a benchmark for specialty coffee in India. Ashok blends traditional farming wisdom with a scientific approach to quality, implementing techniques such as selective harvesting based on sugar levels, precision-controlled fermentations, and eco-conscious processing systems. His vision is rooted in sustainability, transparency, and the pursuit of excellence in every lot produced.
Process
This fully washed Red Catuai was carefully hand-picked at peak ripeness, then pulped using a water-efficient wet mill designed to preserve clarity of flavor. The coffee underwent fermentation in tiled tanks to ensure a clean profile before being washed and dried gently on raised beds under shade for up to three weeks. The result is a balanced and structured cup that highlights sweetness and a silky texture while offering a clean, transparent expression of the terroir.
What Makes This Coffee Special
Ratnagiri’s washed Catuai is a thoughtful and refined example of what Indian specialty coffee can be. The cup opens with notes of milk chocolate and brown sugar, gently lifted by soft citrus and dried fruit. It reflects not just the care in processing, but also the commitment to biodiversity, environmental stewardship, and innovation that defines the farm’s approach. This coffee is comforting and approachable, yet layered enough to surprise those seeking something more.
